Manatee Springs State Park, Chiefland, Florida
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Michele - I found this campground in a Better Homes and Garden's special vacation publication, and I RV camped there in April 1999, June 2000, and December 2001.
Campground Review
My family has enjoyed this beautiful state park on numerous occasions during different times of the year. The campsites are large wooded lots, but not anything special in scenery. What draws us back again and again is the spring.
A short walking distance from the campsite is gorgeous Manatee Springs; so named for the docile creatures that visit annually during Florida's occasional cold snaps.
We've never been lucky enough to see the manatees visit, however on each visit we've seen many deer. On other visits we've seen armadillo and raccoons. My favorite wildlife encounter has been while walking the beautiful catwalk beside the spring. We saw a playful otter diving in the crystal clear water, looking for snails or whatever tasty treats he could find.
The catwalk follows the spring as it flows to the broad Suwannee River, where huge sturgeon spawn and leap, making tremendous wakes.
In the summer, Manatee Spring is a popular swimming hole for the locals. There are stairs and a beach leading into the cold water, and do I mean cold. The best way to experience this water is to take the plunge by jumping off the dive platform. The first jump is a shocker, but four or five times later you're feeling revved up and ready for anything.
During the Christmas holidays, volunteers light up the park with holiday lights and decorations and pass out candy to the children. It's quaint and enchanting to walk among the lights at night. Everyone who works there is very friendly. For a day trip from the campground, ask the park ranger for directions to Cedar Key. It is an hour away and is a very unique little fishing town with lots of galleries, restaurants, and quaint neighborhoods to explore. We purchased some fresh seafood while we were there. On our way back we saw a flock of wild turkeys by the roadside. There's always a new discovery each time we visit.
Manatee Springs is outside of Chiefland off Highway 19, which runs along the west coast of Florida. It's off the beaten path, but well worth the visit.
Visit Their Website
Visit Their Website
Michele - I found this campground in a Better Homes and Garden's special vacation publication, and I RV camped there in April 1999, June 2000, and December 2001.
Campground Review
My family has enjoyed this beautiful state park on numerous occasions during different times of the year. The campsites are large wooded lots, but not anything special in scenery. What draws us back again and again is the spring.
A short walking distance from the campsite is gorgeous Manatee Springs; so named for the docile creatures that visit annually during Florida's occasional cold snaps.
We've never been lucky enough to see the manatees visit, however on each visit we've seen many deer. On other visits we've seen armadillo and raccoons. My favorite wildlife encounter has been while walking the beautiful catwalk beside the spring. We saw a playful otter diving in the crystal clear water, looking for snails or whatever tasty treats he could find.
The catwalk follows the spring as it flows to the broad Suwannee River, where huge sturgeon spawn and leap, making tremendous wakes.
In the summer, Manatee Spring is a popular swimming hole for the locals. There are stairs and a beach leading into the cold water, and do I mean cold. The best way to experience this water is to take the plunge by jumping off the dive platform. The first jump is a shocker, but four or five times later you're feeling revved up and ready for anything.
During the Christmas holidays, volunteers light up the park with holiday lights and decorations and pass out candy to the children. It's quaint and enchanting to walk among the lights at night. Everyone who works there is very friendly. For a day trip from the campground, ask the park ranger for directions to Cedar Key. It is an hour away and is a very unique little fishing town with lots of galleries, restaurants, and quaint neighborhoods to explore. We purchased some fresh seafood while we were there. On our way back we saw a flock of wild turkeys by the roadside. There's always a new discovery each time we visit.
Manatee Springs is outside of Chiefland off Highway 19, which runs along the west coast of Florida. It's off the beaten path, but well worth the visit.
Visit Their Website
